Application Of Management Strategies Research Articles

Compliance in recreational fisheries: Case study of two blue swimmer crab fisheries.

Comparing two Australian regions, Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA), this research investigates official noncompliance datasets of recreational blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) fishing between 2009 and 2019. These recreational fisheries in both jurisdictions are license-free and therefore participating fisher information is limited. Analyses provide a glimpse at the (noncompliant) fisher population profiles against the application of management strategies. The data provide (1) an evidence-base to optimize regulatory strategies by balancing education and enforcement activities with recreational fisher enjoyment. The results of this research enable application within and beyond these fisheries and jurisdictions; and (2) drawing from the criminology discipline, deterrence theory offers insight to enhance compliance tools. Further, it shows the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to assessing compliance and identifies some practical approaches to data collection that can be readily undertaken to assist with more detailed analysis and enhance compliance strategies.

Germination and Agronomic Traits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Beans Sprayed with Trichoderma Strains and Attacked by Acanthoscelides obtectus

Acanthoscelides obtectus, one of the world’s most important post-harvest pests, attacks wild and cultivated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Four Trichoderma strains, Trichoderma arundinaceum IBT 40,837 (=Ta37), a wild-type strain producer of trichothecene harzianum A (HA); two transformed strains of Ta37, Ta37-17.139 (Δtri17) and Ta37-23.74 (Δtri23); and T. brevicompactum IBT 40,841 (=Tb41), a wild-type strain producer of the trichothecene trichodermin, were evaluated to determine the effect of these compounds on the virulence of A. obtectus and the effect of these strains on the seed’s capacity of germination and on the agronomic traits of the plants grown from these seeds. Treatments of bean seeds with different Trichoderma strains provided varying survival rates in A. obtectus adults, so life survival of insects after Tb41 strain application was reduced to 15 days. Δtri17 and Tb41 strains sprayed on P. vulgaris beans resulted in low weight losses (1.21 and 1.55%, respectively). In spite of the low germination percentage of beans treated with Δtri23 strain (lower than the germination percentages of the rest of the fungal strains applied), this treatment encouraged a greater Wet Weight of Aerial Part of the plants grown from both damaged and undamaged beans. High germination rates of Ta37 and Δtri17 strains (higher than with the rest of treatments), did not turn into a greater Wet Weight Aerial Part and Wet Weight of Root System in the future plants developed. Linear regression between the number of exit holes and the wet weight aerial part on the one hand, and between the number of exit holes and the wet weight root system on the other, showed interaction, so Δtri23 and Tb41 strains behaved differently in comparison to their respective control treatments. The number of exit holes of beans treated with Δtri23 or Tb41 was negatively correlated with both the wet weight aerial part and the wet weight root system in P. vulgaris plants. Δtri23 sprayed on undamaged beans caused the greatest Wet Weight Aerial Part and wet weight root system in plants. Due to the good results obtained by Δtri23 and Tb41 strains in this work, more studies for A. obtectus control, P. vulgaris plant growth and trichothecenes production by these strains should be explored, in order to advance in the knowledge of how these fungi could be used in the field crop, together with the application of management strategies to mitigate risks for farmers and to minimize environmental contamination.

Factors Determining the Variability of Performance of Bio-Control Agents against Root-Knot Nematodes in Vegetable Plants

The application of management strategies against plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs), an alternative to the use of toxic nematicides, has become of paramount importance due to the recognized environmental impact. Pre-treatments with bio-control agents (BCAs), such as bio-control fungi (BCF, Trichoderma spp.) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), have been proved to protect many crop plants from endoparasitic sedentary nematodes (ESNs), the most damaging PPN group. However, the use of commercial BCA formulates is not always successful because of an array of variables that influence their performance. One AMF-based and 2 BCF-based commercial formulates were used as soil-drench pre-treatments to protect tomato, egg, and pepper plants from ESN attack. High variability of performance occurred according to the growth stage of treated plants and the amounts of formulates provided per plant. All formulates were highly effective in reducing both root-knot (RKN) and potato cyst (PCN) nematode infection when plants had reached an intermediate growth stage (3.5–5 g plant weight at treatment). However, only specific ranges of doses had to be used. Lower doses were ineffective against nematode attack; higher doses were often toxic to plants. When plants were grown from seeding in BCA-enriched soil, priming against RKNs was even more active. If plants were not challenged by nematodes, BCAs had a low bio-fertilizer effect.

MODELLING THE EFFECT OF COASTLINE ORIENTATION ON STORM EROSION AT THE SYLT ISLAND, NORTH SEA

The effect of coastline orientation on storm erosion was investigated using a hybrid numerical modelling approach (Delft3D and XBeach) on the convex-shape North Sea coast of Sylt. Storm impacts were simulated using different severity events occurring in a cluster and alone. Both models predicted reasonable wave dynamics (RMSE of wave spectral density 0.45 m2/Hz). XBeach resulted in higher erosion above MSL than Delft3D. High severity events approached the coast from the SW- NW sector (i.e., dominant storm approach on this coast). The convex-shape of the coastline provided however different storm landfall at individual locations along the coast. The coastal stretch from the apex to the North showed high vulnerability to storm erosion with the highest erosion at the apex, when the storm events approach from the northwesterly directions. This coastal stretch draws attention in the application of management strategies to withstand the storm erosion.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/JP7K-5itPnI

Bacterial Community Selection of Russula griseocarnosa Mycosphere Soil.

Russula griseocarnosa is a wild, ectomycorrhizal, edible, and medicinal fungus with high economic value in southern China. R. griseocarnosa fruiting bodies cannot be artificially cultivated. To better understand the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on R. griseocarnosa growth, the physicochemical properties of R. griseocarnosa and its associated bacterial communities were investigated in two soil types (mycosphere and bulk soil) from Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi Provinces. The results revealed that the diversity, community structure, and functional characteristics of the dominant mycosphere bacteria in all geographical locations were similar. Soil pH and available nitrogen (AN) are the major factors influencing the mycosphere–soil bacterial communities’ structure. The diversity of soil bacteria is decreased in R. griseocarnosa mycosphere when compared with the bulk soil. Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia, Mycobacterium, Roseiarcus, Sorangium, Acidobacterium, and Singulisphaera may also be mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB) of R. griseocarnosa. The functional traits related to the two-component system, bacterial secretion system, tyrosine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins were more abundant in R. griseocarnosa mycosphere soil. The mycosphere soil bacteria of R. griseocarnosa play a key role in R. griseocarnosa growth. Application of management strategies, such as N fertilizer and microbial fertilizer containing MHB, may promote the conservation, propagation promotion, and sustainable utilization of R. griseocarnosa.

Impact of El Niño 2015-2016 on the coral reefs of the Pacific of Costa Rica: the potential role of marine protection

Introduction: El Niño 2015-2016 was considered one of the most severe worldwide, causing the third global event of coral bleaching. Previous high-intensity El Niño events (1982-83 and 1997-98) caused high coral mortalities and deterioration of coral reef structures along the Eastern Tropical Pacific, affecting both ecosystem and associated economical activities. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the most recent El Niño event on coral reefs from Cocos Island and the Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica. Methods: Coral reefs were surveyed before (2013-2014) and after (2016) the disturbance, using underwater visual censuses within belt transects, to quantify the bottom coverage at different depths. Results: In general, average live coral cover decreased 50% after the 2015-2016 El Niño event, with Golfo Dulce being the most affected area with 75% of live coral cover decline. However, in certain localities such as Isla del Coco and Isla del Caño, the effects of El Niño were apparently minimal, since no substantial loss of live coral cover was detected. Differences in the level of deterioration found between coral reefs could be related to several factors, including the age of the protected area, the distance to centers of human population, and the effectiveness in the application of management strategies. Conclusions: The synergistic impact of the 2015-16 El Niño event and other stressors (e.g. illegal fishing and unregulated coastal human development) increased the levels of disturbance on coral reefs, threatening their structure and functioning. It is necessary to strengthen conservation strategies in order to improve the resilience of coral reefs to the impact of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Concrete actions such as coral reef restoration, marine environmental education, and marine spatial planning must become important tools to maintain the good health of coral reefs and ensure the sustainability of the goods and services provided by these ecosystems.

Artificial Intelligence and Nursing: The Future Is Now.

As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. Much of this research appears as a natural extension of the cross-disciplinary field of systems theory. Since writing my 1st article for Managing Organizational Complexity in 2004, much has happened to further our understanding of complexity in healthcare systems. The growth of new computational methods in the fields of data science and data analytics has allowed scientists to identify signals or patterns in large complex data sets (big data) that in the past were seemingly hidden. Rather than relying on historical statistical methods to infer outcomes, these advanced methods combined with increased computer processing power allow machines to learn the structure of data and create artificial intelligence (AI). In our ongoing efforts to find solutions for complex healthcare problems, AI is becoming more and more an accepted method. The purpose of this edition of Managing Organizational Complexity is to define AI and machine learning, discuss the recent resurgence of AI, and then provide examples of how AI can provide value to healthcare with an emphasis on nursing.

Movement behaviour of two social urticating caterpillars in opposite hemispheres

BackgroundInvestigating movement ecology of organisms has economic, societal, and conservation benefits. Larval movement of insects for example, plays many significant ecological roles, and with the expansion of the human population and development, encounters and conflicts with insects have increased. Urticating caterpillars are a health concern to people and animals, especially when they disperse in a gregarious and synchronised manner in areas frequented by humans. Ochrogaster lunifer and Thaumetopoea pityocampa from the southern and northern hemispheres respectively, are two geographically-isolated species of moth with similar gregarious urticating caterpillars that can outbreak causing defoliation and medical issues.MethodsEach year from March to May, O. lunifer and T. pityocampa caterpillars leave their nesting sites and form head-to-tail processions on the ground in search of pupation sites. This pre-pupation procession behaviour and its associated risk of human contact with O. lunifer and T. pityocampa caterpillars were studied and compared in Australia and Italy, respectively. The distance, duration, orientation and response to visible light of the pre-pupation processions were studied in both species to determine general patterns.ResultsIn the morning, O. lunifer and T. pityocampa processions travelled on average 40 and 16 m per day from the nest in 153 and 223 min respectively, in search for potential pupation sites. Ochrogaster lunifer pre-pupation processions travelled generally to the north or south when leaving the nest, as was their final orientation to the bivouac/pupation site. Whereas T. pityocampa processions had no preference in orientation. Ochrogaster lunifer and T. pityocampa pre-pupation processions travelled towards the darker and the lighter areas of the environment, respectively. During our observations, 27% of O. lunifer and 44% of T. pityocampa processions had contact with humans driving, cycling or walking.ConclusionsThe amount of human contact is surprising and alarming, because of the serious health implications they cause to humans and animals. The processionary dispersal on the ground risks further spread of urticating hairs that can be easily detached, and particular during inadvertent contact. Our limited sample size of T. pityocampa processions may benefit from more observations to make conclusive remarks on their pre-pupation behaviour. Understanding the movement behaviour of O. lunifer and T. pityocampa pre-pupation processions around populated areas is crucial for predicting exposure risk and application of management strategies.

Landsat-derived environmental factors to describe habitat preferences and spatiotemporal distribution of phytoplankton

Phytoplankton species are among the most abundant and diverse organisms in marine ecosystems and are highly sensitive to physical-chemical variable changes, so they show high spatial and temporal variability related to environmental changes. This study applied Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to describe the effect of environmental factors on abundance of four phytoplankton genera recorded in a small coastal water body of northwestern Mexico. The most influential variables in order of importance were sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen. Predictions of the GAM suggested that abundance had strong spatial and seasonal variability; abundance of Tripos and Gymnodinium was higher in spring (Apr-Jun) and lower in summer (Jul-Sep); Prorocentrum was higher in autumn (Oct-Dec) and lower in winter (Jan-Mar); Pseudo-nitzschia was higher in winter and lower in autumn. The approach in this study represents one of the first efforts to use species distribution models (SDM) in phytoplankton communities using high spatial resolution environmental factors that derived from Landsat imagery. Therefore, this technique could be a useful tool with the potential to transform environmental monitoring and serve as a valuable resource in the study and application of management strategies in a wide range of activities in coastal environments, such as aquaculture, fisheries and public health.

Identifying Common Decision Problem Elements for the Management of Emerging Fungal Diseases of Wildlife

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) of wildlife have characteristics that make them difficult to manage, leading to reactive and often ineffective management strategies. Currently, two fungal pathogens, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), are causing declines in novel host species. To improve the application of management strategies addressing the risk of these pathogens to North American wildlife, we queried wildlife managers about their concerns regarding managing populations of bats and amphibians potentially impacted by Pd and Bsal. Using these responses, we identified aspects of each decision problem that were shared across pathogens, regions and agencies – and found similarities in decision-problem elements for disease management. Reframing management problems as decisions can enable managers to identify similarities across EIDs, i.e. uncertainties within management actions, and improve reactive responses if proactive management is not possible. Such an approach recognizes context-specific constraints and identifies relevant uncertainties that must be reduced in developing a response.

Why Cities Survive and Companies Die.

As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. Much of this research appears as a natural extension of the cross-disciplinary field of systems theory. This article is the 5th in a series of articles that focuses on why technological complexity is increasing and strategies nurse administrators can use to successfully implement change in the face of it.

Technological Complexity and Emergence of the Entanglement.

As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. Much of this research appears as a natural extension of the cross-disciplinary field of systems theory. This article is the 3rd in a series of articles that focus on why technological complexity is increasing and strategies nurse administrators can use to successfully implement change in the face of it.

Strategic development and business process automation networks in Greek tele-companies

Strategic development is a basis of operations for every organisation and illustrates the way that each organisation operates and competes in the market place. The multiple strategic options and their evaluation are part of the management process of a telecommunications company, and they aim to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation and improve its competitive position. The different perspectives of higher and middle management employees regarding the use and the usefulness of such strategies have to be taken into account and an extra effort should be made in order to align those perspectives and increase the consistency of the organisational practices. The current study aims to detect any possible gaps and issues on the perceptions of higher and middle management employees and to suggest possible and necessary actions that can ensure the effectiveness of the application of management strategies and their effect on strategic development.

Inoculum availability and infection patterns of Fusarium mangiferae, the causal agent of mango malformation in South Africa

Mango malformation, caused by Fusarium mangiferae, is a serious disease of mango in South Africa, causing severe economic losses annually. The occurrence of conidia of F. mangiferae on malformed inflorescences and leaves and the timing of airborne infections were studied during 2013–2015 in a ‘Sensation’ orchard at Nelspruit and a ‘Kent’ orchard at Hoedspuit. At Nelspruit, a peak in conidia numbers on malformed inflorescences was detected in November in all three seasons. At Hoedspruit, a peak in conidia numbers on malformed inflorescences was detected in October 2014 and August 2015. The presence of conidia on the leaves coincided with the detection of high numbers of spores on malformed panicles at both locations. Airborne infections of vegetative branches at Nelspruit and Hoedspruit corresponded with high numbers of conidia on malformed inflorescences. Knowledge of periods when inoculum is available and critical periods for infection provided essential information for timely and more effective application of management strategies to control mango malformation in South Africa.

How Information Drives Complexity.

As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. This article is the 2nd in a series of articles that focuses on why technological complexity is increasing and strategies nurse administrators can use to successfully implement change in the face of it.

Technological Complexity: Have We Reached a Tipping Point?

As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. Much of this research appears as a natural extension of the cross-disciplinary field of systems theory. This article focuses on why technological complexity is increasing and strategies nurse administrators can use to successfully implement change in the face of it.

Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining: Implications for Nurse Leaders.

As systems evolve, their tendency is to become more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. This is the 2nd in a series of articles addressing the mounting challenges faced by nursing leaders demanding insights from the vast amounts of information collected and stored by their organizations.

Big Data, Big Challenges: Implications for Chief Nurse Executives.

As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on the application of management strategies in health systems. Much of this research appears as a natural extension of the cross-disciplinary field of systems theory. In this edition, I begin a series of articles on the growing challenge faced by nurse administrators of finding value in the vast amounts of information collected by health systems today.

Management strategies and marketing operations in Greek tele-companies

The management of a telecommunication company involves multiple strategic options which should be evaluated and transformed in order to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation. Business processes automation is part of the general management strategy of a telecommunications company and its application can lead to additional resources for the organisation that can be used for other strategic purposes. Marketing operations are also important for the successful presence of an organisation in the market place. By organising and automating part of the marketing operations, a telecommunications company can enjoy multiple benefits which can possibly affect its profitability. Higher and middle management employees, due to their position in an organisation, have different perspectives regarding the use and the usefulness of such strategies. However, the participation, the knowledge and the commitment of both parties are a necessary. The current study which is part of a larger research aims to detect any possible gaps and issues on the perceptions of higher and middle management employees and suggest possible and necessary actions that can ensure the effectiveness of the application of management strategies and their effect on marketing operations.

Business process automation in Greek telecommunications companies and marketing strategies

The multiple strategic options and their evaluation are part of the management process of a telecommunication company, which aims to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation. Additional resources can be the outcome of this process, while the automation of the activities can also enhance the overall effectiveness of the organisational strategy. Furthermore, marketing operations are also important for the successful presence of an organisation in the market place and their development and automation can lead to multiple benefits and higher profitability. The different perspectives of higher and middle management employees regarding the use and the usefulness of such strategies have to be taken into account and an extra effort should be made to align those perspectives and increase the consistency of the organisational practices. This study, which is part of a larger research, aims to detect any possible gaps and issues on the perceptions of higher and middle management employees and suggest possible and necessary actions that can ensure the effectiveness of the application of management strategies and their effect on marketing operations.